Explain why biological enzymes would stop working at temperatures higher than 45 degrees Celcius.

1. Biological enzymes are proteins, meaning they have specific shapes depending on bond interactions.

2. The active site of the protein is specific to a certain substrate (the thing being broken down).

3. At temperatures higher than body temperature, the proteins start to lose their structure, as the molecules get too excited.

4. This changes the shape of the active site.

5. The substrate can no longer fit into the active site and therefore the enzyme does not work.

MH
Answered by Masood H. Biology tutor

4816 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you test for monosaccharides/disaccharides?


How is tissue fluid and lymph formed?


Describe the process that converts a genetic sequence on messenger RNA into the primary sequence of a protein


Can you explain the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning